Familiarity

Diseases that are familiar and known to us, even if they are lethal, become less threatening over time. Not less threatening in a real sense, but of less concern to us because we know about and better accept those risks. When you read about influenza or pneumonia in the news, do alarm bells go off? Perhaps not.

Flu and pneumonia, however, are actually the seventh leading cause of death in the United States every year.

53,826 persons were killed by influenza and pneumonia in 2010 in the U.S. (CDC estimate)

When we read the word "Ebola," or any one of several other emerging diseases, it is easy to feel a bit of trepidation or concern. This makes sense for several reasons including that the mortality rate for these threats is sometimes very high and the misery involved is often evident. New, or emerging diseases are often fear inducing, in part because they are unknown, and what is not well understood and threatening commands our attention.

The fact is that Ebola, while devastating, has killed worldwide far less than seasonal influenza kills in the U.S. each year.

2 persons have been killed by Ebola in the U.S. during 2014 to date.

5,458 persons have been killed by Ebola worldwide as of 11/21/2014.

Fighting Back at Old Rivals

Perhaps what this perspective informs us is that some old-time rivals of mankind that make an annual trip through the United States are very worthy of our respect, and our action as departments responsible for cleaning for health in buildings and workplaces.

Protecting students, workers, residents and members from influenza and pneumonia in the built environment is a task that can be affected by:

Various studies have shown that particularly gastro-intestinal diseases can be reduced considerably, and of course at a tiny fraction of the cost treatment requires once an individual becomes infected.

January and February are usually peak influenza months, but the season often extends from October through May.Measures that can reduce the hundreds of thousands of annual hospitalizations due to pneumonia and influenza, and the tens of thousands of deaths caused by them are worthy of our attention and action.

PUR-O-ZONE has years of experience to assist you in some of the important training and application adjustments your cleaning regimen may need to respond effectively to some old and worthy opponents to health. Prevention is cheaper, and better, than cure.